Elie Metchnikoff—The founder of longevity science and a founder of modern medicine: In honor of the 170th anniversary

The years 2015–2016 mark a double anniversary—the 170th anniversary of birth and the 100th anniversary of death—of one of the greatest Russian scientists, a person that may be considered a founding figure of modern immunology, aging, and longevity science—Elie Metchnikoff (May 15, 1845–July 15, 1916). At this time of rapid aging of the world population and the rapid development of technologies that may ameliorate degenerative aging processes, Metchnikoff’s pioneering contribution to the search for anti-aging and healthspan-extending means should be recalled and honored.